Fez Echoes with the Sounds of Tariqa Raissouniya at the Moroccan Sufi Culture Festival
The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music has returned to Morocco’s ancient city, celebrating Sufi traditions and spiritual unity. Running from April 20 to April 27, this year’s event brings together 14 diverse artists and groups from across the globe. Performances range from solo acts to collective rituals, all centred on Sufi devotion and sacred music.
The festival was first launched in 1994 by the Fez Festival Foundation, backed by Moroccan cultural bodies and international supporters. Over the years, it has grown into a key event for showcasing Sufi heritage under the theme ‘Know Yourself By Yourself’—a call to explore inner spirituality beyond material concerns.
This edition features a mix of traditions and innovations. French cellist Aurélien Pascal presents works by Johann Sebastian Bach, drawing parallels between the composer’s music and Sufi mysticism. Meanwhile, the Tariqa Raissouniya ensemble from Chefchaouen delivers a deeply spiritual performance rooted in Moroccan Sufi customs. Beyond concerts, the festival offers hands-on experiences. A Sanskrit chanting workshop led by French yogi André Riehl invites participants to immerse themselves in sacred sound. Abdelaziz Debbagh, head of the Abdul Wahid Ibn Ashir Foundation, has described the event as a vital counterpoint to today’s technology-driven world, emphasising human connection over artificial intelligence.
The festival continues until April 27, blending music, workshops, and cultural exchange. Organisers aim to preserve Sufi traditions while fostering global dialogue on spirituality. Attendees can expect further performances and interactive sessions in the days ahead.
